Amazon has quickly become one of the leading warehouse employers in the US. Like all warehouse jobs, working in an Amazon warehouse can be demanding and, therefore, dangerous. Reach out to our team of Amazon warehouse injury lawyers to gain insights into your rights.
Amazon warehouse employees work hard to meet high productivity standards, which creates a stressful and fast-paced work environment. The hazards of meeting high fulfillment demands leave more than a handful of employees suffering Amazon warehouse injuries.
But Amazon’s lawyers and workers’ comp insurance adjusters always seek ways to minimize your settlement. One of the most common questions we’re asked is, can you sue for Amazon warehouse injuries?
Can You Sue For Amazon Warehouse Injuries — Key Takeaways from our Amazon Warehouse Injury Lawyers
- Amazon warehouse employees often suffer injuries from overexertion, heavy equipment, slips and falls, and repetitive motion
- In some states, Amazon carries workers’ comp insurance, which can cover medical expenses and some lost wages
- Workers’ comp doesn’t always cover the complete losses Amazon warehouse injuries can cause
- Amazon and its insurance provider can make it challenging for workers to prove their injuries as a means of paying a minimal settlement, if any
- If you live in a state where Amazon doesn’t carry workers’ comp insurance, or if you can prove Amazon’s negligence contributed to your injury, there’s the option of suing for your Amazon injury
- Consult a seasoned workplace accident lawyer to find out if the settlement Amazon offers you is fair and to determine if negligence contributed to your injury
This article discusses the types of injuries that are common in Amazon warehouses. We’ll cover when you can sue for Amazon warehouse injuries and how to file a claim. Finally, we’ll explore how an experienced workplace accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group can give free legal advice to those who’ve survived an Amazon warehouse accident.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCan You Sue for Amazon Warehouse Injuries?
Overexertion, heavy equipment accidents, repetitive motion, and slips and falls are common Amazon warehouse injuries. Amazon warehouse employees may have the right to financial compensation for the losses these injuries caused. That said, suing for Amazon injuries is complicated. In some states, Amazon has workers’ comp insurance — in others, it doesn’t.
- Worker’s Compensation insurance is a policy held by an employer to cover the costs of employees who get injured at work
- Workers’ comp is a no-fault insurance, meaning it pays medical bills and lost wages regardless of who’s at fault for the injuries
- Workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover all injuries
- Amazon warehouses with workers’ comp insurance are especially protected from lawsuits
But not every Amazon warehouse carries workers’ comp insurance. Getting the settlement you deserve requires knowing exactly what your employee rights are in your particular Amazon warehouse.
If the Amazon warehouse you work in doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, it’s known as a non-subscriber. Non-subscriber companies don’t have to pay workers’ compensation insurance premiums but may be more open to lawsuits.
And even if the Amazon warehouse you work in carries workers’ comp, Amazon’s insurance company might not offer you an adequate amount immediately. If they know you’re hurting and out of work, insurance adjusters will write you a check for a minimal amount. Once you cash your workers’ comp check, you give up your right to ask for more coverage down the road when the bills really pile up.
‘We suggest you don’t cash the workers’ comp check until you’ve had it reviewed during a free attorney consultation with a seasoned team like our Amazon Warehouse Injury Lawyers at Zinda Law Group.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Is Considered a Common Amazon Warehouse Injury?
CNBC reports that Amazon workers often suffer musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains, and carpal tunnels. These injuries result from rapid repetitive motion and reportedly cause 40% of Amazon warehouse injuries. The high rate of repetitive motion-based injuries reflects fast-paced work and demanding quotas.
Other injuries that can happen in warehouse work environments, including Amazon warehouses, include:
- Head injuries can happen from an impact to the head or a sudden brain shift. Like all traumatic injuries, head trauma can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
- Muscle injuries are caused by overexertion, blunt force trauma, or falls. Muscle injuries can cause pain and disability. Swift medical attention will let you know if the muscle can heal independently or if recovery requires physical therapy or rehab.
Other injuries our Amazon Warehouse Injury Lawyers may be able to assist with:
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- Defective products can injure warehouse employees if they break or explode while being handled. Defective product injuries include Amazon warehouse injuries caused by faulty tools, machinery, equipment, or packaging. And while Amazon might not be liable, the manufacturer of the defective product may be found responsible for your injuries.
- Employer negligence means Amazon didn’t comply with keeping the workplace safe and up to code. Amazon has a duty to train employees, comply with safety standards, maintain equipment, and provide appropriate protective gear. If Amazon fails to comply with these expectations, they may be found responsible for your workplace injuries.
- Other Amazon warehouse injuries Amazon or a third party may be found liable for include:
- Ladder accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Improper assembly accidents
- Defective machinery accidents
Injuries that you can’t sue Amazon for:
There are some situations where you won’t be able to sue Amazon for warehouse injuries. Here are a few examples:
- Injuries covered by workers’ comp: Since workers’ comp is a no-fault coverage system, accepting the insurance settlement means you can’t sue Amazon for additional damage unless you can prove they acted recklessly or criminally.
- Injuries caused by employee negligence: Unless you can prove another employee or a supervisor intended to harm you, you won’t be able to sue Amazon for an injury caused by a negligent employee, whether you or someone else.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Are the Causes of Amazon Warehouse Accidents?
The most common causes of Amazon warehouse accidents are overexertion and repetitive tasks using the same motion. Tight quotes and repetitive tasks cause some Amazon employees to develop musculoskeletal complications.
Other common injuries in warehouse work environments include slips, falls, cuts, and fractures.
Preventing injuries in a fast-paced warehouse environment requires closely following safety protocols, wearing personal protective equipment, and taking breaks before you’ve overworked yourself.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow To File a Claim when Suing for an Amazon Injury
The process of filing a claim against Amazon for a warehouse injury varies depending on whether the location you were injured in has workers’ comp. A seasoned workplace injury lawyer like our team at Zinda Law Group can help walk you through the following process:
Seek Medical help:
Some injuries obviously require medical attention right away. But even if you think your injury is mild, some symptoms worsen over time. Seek medical attention immediately after any injury, regardless of how severe. This helps document your injury and provides a connection between the accident and future systems that may still develop.
Report the injury:
File a written report, either with HR or the appropriate Amazon supervisor. Follow your company’s procedures. Be accurate, but don’t overshare.
Gather info and evidence:
Document your medical records and secure copies of the company incident report. Record the names and testimonies of any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Have a workplace injury lawyer review your case
An experienced injury lawyer will assess the details of your injury and determine if workers’ comp or a lawsuit is the ideal course of action. A seasoned attorney can negotiate with Amazon and their insurance company on your behalf, ensuring the settlement they’re offering is fair.
Can I Sue Amazon for an Injury at Work? How Zinda Law Group’s Workplace Injury Lawyer Can Help
Amazon warehouse employees face high productivity standards and a fast-paced, often stressful environment, leading to numerous injuries.
Amazon’s insurance adjustors may only offer a small settlement amount if they know you’re injured, unable to work, and desperate for relief. By accepting a workers’ comp check, you may be unable to request more coverage later when medical bills are even higher.
Repetitive motion, improper assembly, defective machinery, or a ladder accident are all potential hazards in Amazon warehouse work environments. If you suffered an Amazon warehouse injury, contact Zinda Law Group now to talk to a workplace accident lawyer.
A member of our experienced team will hear the details of your Amazon warehouse injury and the circumstances leading up to it. We’ll let you know if your case is covered under worker’s comp or if it sounds like a negligent party can be legally held responsible.
To set up your free consultation with a workplace injury attorney, call Zinda Law Group at (888) 564-5596. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Meetings with attorneys by appointment only–book your free consultation today.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation